How to Use Pressure-Treated Plywood on a Shed Floor

Wet and moist conditions call for the use of a pressure-treated plywood shed floor.

Pressure-treated plywood is an exterior-grade plywood that will resist rot and decay for a lifetime. It is the preferred flooring material for an outdoor shed. It will resist decomposition from being exposed to wetness from either rain, dripping outdoor appliances like snow blowers, or tracked-in mud and moisture. In wet, foggy and moist conditions, a pressure-treated plywood floor is a must to maintain the integrity of the shed and the shed floor.

1

Use pressure-treated plywood that is attached to floor joists with exterior-grade screws. Exterior-grade nails can be used, but heavy traffic will cause them to slightly flex out and eventually expose the nail head. Floor joists will allow air to circulate beneath the shed and make for a much dryer and less humid shed environment. This is especially important if the walls are made of regular construction wood that is not treated.

2

Use 1/2-inch pressure-treated plywood in a light-duty shed. For basic storage of hand tools such as rakes, shovels, trimmers and others, 1/2-inch pressure-treated plywood as a shed floor will be sufficient. Screw it down into the floor joists with a screw every 6 inches, using a drill with a screwdriver bit and a fluted screw head that will screw down flush with the top of the plywood.

3

Use 3/4-inch pressure-treated plywood in a heavy-duty shed. This type of shed will house such outdoor appliances as riding mowers, snow blowers, tillers and small trailers. Sink a fluted screw head screw in every 6 inches into the floor joists.

Things You Will Need

1/2- or 3/4-inch pressure-treated plywood

Exterior-grade fluted screw head screws

Drill with screwdriver bit

Warning

About the Author

Dale Yalanovsky has been writing professionally since 1978. He has been published in "Woman's Day," "New Home Journal" and on many do-it-yourself websites. He specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management. Yalanovsky also writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice.